Manager Tony Pulis has moved quickly to sign up Francis to his cause having lost Paul Jewell earlier today.

It is thought that Francis will work alongside Pulis and Dave Kemp, who will work as Assistant Head Coach as they seek to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

“Gerry and I have worked well together at both Stoke and Crystal Palace and it was always part of my plan for him to join me at Albion,” Pulis told the club’s website.

“I value his insight and experience of the very highest levels of our game and I’m delighted that he is now on board. We have an agreement that we have employed in the past and suits us both.”

Pulis and Francis have worked together previously, and the Welshman will be delighted that he is extending his partnership with the former England captain once again. It will also see Francis return to the Premier League, where he previously spent seven years as a manager of both QPR and Tottenham.

In fact, Francis is highly regarded in the capital as his spells at both clubs saw him establish them as the top club in the capital. Pulis will be hoping he can have a similar effect on the Baggies, who currently find themselves 14th in the Premier League, just two points off the relegation zone.

Sean Lunt

Sean Lunt is a Journalism and Spanish graduate with a passion for football. As an avid Everton fan he has survived the Walter Smith era, enjoyed the resurgence under David Moyes and is now wholly embracing the Spanish revolution with Roberto Martinez. Away from Everton he follows the rest of the football league and has a particular interest in La Liga.